May 28, 2026 — Universities UK International (UUKi) has announced the success of 43 UK–France research collaborations advancing renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and space technology. These projects, funded under UUKi’s Researcher Mobility Scheme and Pump-Priming Scheme, have already attracted significant follow-on investment, including a €2 million (£1.7 million) grant from Horizon Europe’s Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
The schemes, backed by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through the International Science Partnerships Fund, were designed to strengthen bilateral research ties following the UK–France dialogue in 2024. Thematic areas included energy transition, hydrogen, space and Earth observation, AI ethics, research security, and quantum technologies.
Collaborations span leading institutions such as Coventry University with France’s CEA, the University of Nottingham with UTBM, and the University of Strathclyde with Université Paris-Saclay. Projects range from developing efficient renewable energy systems to embedding human-in-the-loop processes in AI, and designing autonomous energy-harvesting devices.
On the French side, the Sophie Germain scheme has provided complementary funding, reinforcing joint efforts in energy and technology. Demand for these initiatives was high, with an average acceptance rate of 31% across three calls, underscoring the need for sustained investment in international collaboration.
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi, highlighted the impact: “Grant schemes like our pump-priming and researcher mobility schemes enable bilateral research collaborations to flourish at a pace and with an impact that may not otherwise have been possible.”
With multiple Horizon Europe submissions already underway, these partnerships are laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in tackling global challenges through innovation.
